The Best Outdoor Sheds
Finding a secure storage space for your outdoor necessities is as simple as purchasing a trusty shed. The explosion of easy-to-assemble sheds has made it easier than ever to protect your tools, outdoor appliances, and. Sheds that come partially assembled are usually made of lightweight material, have comprehensive instructions included, and don't require an adept mechanical brain to figure them out. If you're sick of Mother Nature wearing and tearing your outdoor valuables, the sheds we've selected as our favorites can secure everything from a small yard's tools to a landscaper's full arsenal.
ShelterLogic Shed-in-a-Box
If you’re looking for a no-fuss place to shelter your tools, appliances, and furniture, ShelterLogic’s Shed-in-a-Box does the trick. When you summon the mental image of a shed, usually a metal-walled structure with sliding or hinged doors comes to mind. The Shed-in-a-Box is cut from a different cloth, though, as it utilizes a ripstop fabric exterior that’s mounted on a steel frame. While it may look fragile, this storage container’s locking rail system keeps the cover taut, and both components are built with a weather-resistant coating. If you need a lightweight shed for a smaller yard, the Shed-in-a-Box is the pick to beat.
Pros:
- Easy to move once assembled
- No building permits required
- Elastic ties and zippers open and close the front door
Cons:
- The instructions are difficult to understand
Rubbermaid Roughneck Garden Storage Shed
Things Are Looking Up
When you don’t have a garage, it can be tedious to store gardening tools because of their unwieldy size. Rubbermaid’s Roughneck Garden Storage Shed is just the right size for a walk-in stockpile of tools and seeds alike. This modular system has four walls that fit snugly into place on the plastic resin floor, offering superior moisture resistance and rodent protection the second the door is locked. The Roughneck is available in two shades of beige and three sizes that range from a smaller hideaway for handtools to a full-blown landscaping storehouse.
Pros:
- Holster and rack accessories available
- Impact-resistant hard plastic
- Can be bolted to permanent structures for added security
Cons:
- No lock included
Keter Premier Tall Outdoor Storage Shed
A Place for Knick Knacks
Everyday storage for miscellaneous outdoor accessories is the name of the game with Keter’s Premier Tall Outdoor Storage Shed. This unit is more stout than other gardening sheds, and it’s not particularly deep. Sure, you might struggle to fit larger equipment such as lawnmowers or hedge trimmers, but thanks to the vertical design, you won’t have to rummage deep into its interiors when you only need one or two items. This unit is constructed from a combination of steel and plastic with a finish that admirably endures the sun and moisture. Compact storage that looks professional and durable is just a click away with Keter.
Pros:
- Interior brackets included
- No external tools required for setup
- Great value for the price
Cons:
- Not meant for larger equipment
Suncast Heavy-Duty Tremont Storage Shed
Large and In Charge
If your property boasts a beastly garden, significant square footage, or a sizeable patio, finding a suitably sized storage container can be challenging. Suncast’s Heavy Duty Tremont Storage Shed is large enough to house all your lawn furniture, landscaping gear, pool toys, and yard games. What’s more, it boasts an impeccable construction and tough, reinforced materials. This bountiful box has windowed doors, a pitched roof, and skylights for ultimate visibility from inside and out. For outdoor items that need more insulation in a dry, clean environment, the Suncast Tremont will be the last storage container you buy.
Pros:
- Size options start at 4′ x 8′ and end at 16′ x 8′
- Interior shelving included
- Air vent to prevent mold
Cons:
- It cannot be assembled with only one person
Kinying Outdoor Storage Shed
Powerful Patio Protection
Kinying’s Outdoor Storage Shed is a jack of all trades when it comes to housing your wares. Small, chubby sheds like this one are often of the pool-storage-container design. While this is a useful design for unorganized toys, seldom is this model helpful for serious practical applications. Kinying realized this and designed their unit with both front- and top-facing doors for unmatched accessibility. All in all, this shed makes it easy to have your storage work for you, be it garbage and recycling bins, balcony furniture, or hand tools that are always within arm’s reach.
Pros:
- Available as a single- or double-stacked unit
- The top door can be easily propped open
- Two lock holes for ultimate security
Cons:
- The roof is not pitched and pools water
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the name shed come from?
“Shed” comes from an Old English word dating all the way back to the 15th century. As far as we can tell, the word’s meaning translates to shadow or shade. This suggests that the original use for our modern-day “shed” was to shield its user from the sun. This would be in contrast to other words that nowadays ambiguously refer to small structures, such as “hut.” This, also rooted in Old English, translates roughly to “to hide” and may have been used specifically for security purposes.
How long does it take to assemble a shed?
Depending on the size of your shed, the assembly process could be an all-day affair or a manageable hour-long solo project. Shacks made of solid walls 6′ x 7′ should take you around two hours with occasional assistance from a helper. Assembling pre-fab sheds is straightforward because the foundation and walls should lock into predrilled slots. What can be time-consuming, however, is the process of securing brackets and support beams. Having a power drill and ratcheting wrench set handy is a must for shed installation. It significantly cuts down on fatigue and overall build time, especially when you’re installing the shed by yourself.